Aug.18 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel has admitted he is no fan of having to save fuel during grands prix.
The Ferrari driver, who counts himself among what are regarded as motor racing ‘purists’, told Germany’s Auto Bild that if it was up to him, the regulations would look different.
“I am a sportsman,” quadruple world champion Vettel said, “and in my opinion formula one should be about who can drive a car the fastest, not who can save fuel the most.”
The fuel-saving technique has become known as ‘lift and coast’, but Vettel explains: “There is no trick, and it is also not very exciting from a driver’s perspective.
“Before the corner you have to come off the gas, let the car roll and then find your braking point. It is not easy, but not quite as much fun as standing on the gas until the last moment,” he added.
Curiously, however, the 28-year-old – who is among the new fathers on the F1 grid – said he has no problem driving to conserve fuel on the road, even though he is one of F1’s highest paid drivers.
“I just take my time and if the journey takes an extra five minutes, it’s not so bad,” he said. But that doesn’t mean he is a big fan of hybrid road cars.
“If I can choose,” explained Vettel, “then I wait until the batteries get better and rely on the combustion engine. And if it sounds better too, all the better.”